Sweet Tooth

Have you noticed lately the “kid in a candy store” theme is everywhere?

Check out Katy Perry’s new video for “California Gurls.” FYI this is an over 18 video, but our fearless leader, Nadine Curtis loves it for the bright colors, candy shop vibe and yes, she herself is a California girl, um, gurl.

Also, did you know that everyone’s favorite childhood board game Candy Land is turning 60 this year?! In San Diego, California, a woman named Eleanor Abbot created a game. A recovering Polio patient, she decided to create an activity that would entertain children affected with the disease. She submitted her board game to Milton Bradley (now owned by Hasbro), who enthusiastically accepted it for production. In 1949 Candy Land was introduced.

1949's Candy Land

The first Candy Land games were sold for only a dollar. The advertisements assured parents that the game fulfilled “the sweet tooth yearning of the younger set without the tummy ache aftereffects.”As its packaging proudly stated for 30 years, Candy Land is “a sweet little game… for sweet little folks.” Soon, the simple activity would become an enduring part of the collective American childhood. The theme and simplicity of play made it a perfect fit for the whole family.

Today's Candy Land

At the time, few could have predicted the impact of the game, both on the Massachusetts-based game manufacturer and on generations of young children. To date, its distinctive red-and-white peppermint name has been printed on over 40 million games. In a world filled with advanced technology and fading fads, the sweet simplicity of this classic game keeps it continually popular, generation after generation.

The rules can be found here if you want to take a trip down memory lane!